OutReserve

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin
Main Cabin
Lookout Tower
Fire Tower

About Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Summit Ridge Cabin is located near the border of Wyoming in Southwestern South Dakota on the Black Hills National Forest, providing a perfect setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, the cabin was originally used as housing for personnel that staffed the adjacent forest fire lookout tower. The cabin is available for reservation throughout the year when accessible. At an elevation of 6,096 feet, it can receive considerable snowfall. The roads to the cabin are not plowed, so generally it is not accessible from December through March.  NOTE: Check with local office for snow conditions during winter months.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 15 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (86)

What Guests Are Saying

Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin offers a beautiful and cozy retreat in a peaceful wooded setting, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Guests appreciated the well-kept cabin and the fantastic woodstove, though some noted the need to bring their own bedding and water, as well as the cabin's ongoing improvements and limited solar power. Overall, it's recommended for those seeking a rustic camping experience at an affordable price.

Review Summary

4.2
86 reviews
5
51.2%
44
4
30.2%
26
3
11.6%
10
2
2.3%
2
1
4.7%
4

Thomas W

Verified

December 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Drove through 10 inches of snow to get there. But it was a perfect gift to my mom for her birthday! Loved it and most likely will do it again next year

Thomas W

Verified

December 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Drove through 10 inches of snow to get there. But it was a perfect gift to my mom for her birthday! Loved it and most likely will do it again next year

Rebecca P

Verified

December 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

The only downside was that I found out after getting there that the propane stove doesn’t accept 1 gallon tanks, but we had enough firewood that we were able to cook outside with no issues.

Rebecca P

Verified

December 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

The only downside was that I found out after getting there that the propane stove doesn’t accept 1 gallon tanks, but we had enough firewood that we were able to cook outside with no issues.

Monte S

Verified

October 6, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

We were very pleased to see how clean the cabin was and that the additional area where the beds in the garage were was also cleaned up. Two years ago that area was unusable, and the cabin had been taken over by mice. Somebody took the time to thoroughly clean all of the sleeping areas up, including the kitchen area. We also remembered to bring the right tools to hook up the propane because the connection has been stripped over by previous users. It was a great experience, had great weather, and really enjoyed our stay. Hopefully they can preserve the fire tour, if for no other reason, the historical nature of it. Make sure you bring cleaning supplies, a saw or hatchet for firewood, plenty of water, toilet paper, and a vice grips so you can tighten your propane connection. Maybe some Raid for the bees outside (as they didn't get in the cabin). Also, a lantern or flashlight, as you are reliant on the sun to charge the lights in the cabin. We enjoyed Elk Mountain Lookout (you can drive to the fire tower), Little Devil Tower hiking trail, and the Flume Trail (just be prepared to either cross their narrow bridges or walk through the water). We had beautiful nights sitting under the stars (and they were magnificent). This cabin is the best way to stay and enjoy Black Hills.

Monte S

Verified

October 6, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

We were very pleased to see how clean the cabin was and that the additional area where the beds in the garage were was also cleaned up. Two years ago that area was unusable, and the cabin had been taken over by mice. Somebody took the time to thoroughly clean all of the sleeping areas up, including the kitchen area. We also remembered to bring the right tools to hook up the propane because the connection has been stripped over by previous users. It was a great experience, had great weather, and really enjoyed our stay. Hopefully they can preserve the fire tour, if for no other reason, the historical nature of it. Make sure you bring cleaning supplies, a saw or hatchet for firewood, plenty of water, toilet paper, and a vice grips so you can tighten your propane connection. Maybe some Raid for the bees outside (as they didn't get in the cabin). Also, a lantern or flashlight, as you are reliant on the sun to charge the lights in the cabin. We enjoyed Elk Mountain Lookout (you can drive to the fire tower), Little Devil Tower hiking trail, and the Flume Trail (just be prepared to either cross their narrow bridges or walk through the water). We had beautiful nights sitting under the stars (and they were magnificent). This cabin is the best way to stay and enjoy Black Hills.

Tyler M

Verified

September 27, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

1

Rented the cabin for a night on our anniversary vacation. When we finally got to the cabin there were other people thete just "chillin" in the front yard and parked in front of the outhouse. They said they didn't have a reservation when I asked them if we were double booked. They didn't seem to want to leave after 3 hours of me waiting so finally I just left. I called the parks services to see if we were double booked before talking to the squatters and got no awnser. I've called multiple times through the week to tell the parks services and get a refund with no response back. ALSO: THIER IS NO LOOKOUT ANYMORE SO THAT WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT ON TOP OF IT ALL.

Tyler M

Verified

September 27, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

1

Rented the cabin for a night on our anniversary vacation. When we finally got to the cabin there were other people thete just "chillin" in the front yard and parked in front of the outhouse. They said they didn't have a reservation when I asked them if we were double booked. They didn't seem to want to leave after 3 hours of me waiting so finally I just left. I called the parks services to see if we were double booked before talking to the squatters and got no awnser. I've called multiple times through the week to tell the parks services and get a refund with no response back. ALSO: THIER IS NO LOOKOUT ANYMORE SO THAT WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT ON TOP OF IT ALL.

Linda C

Verified

September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!

Linda C

Verified

September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

We loved the peace and quiet.
We wished there were mattresses like they have in other camping cabins; even though we brought foam pads, the beds were hard!
We would definitely go again!

Location Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin

Address:
Hell Canyon Ranger District, 1019 North 5th Street
Custer, SD, 57730
United States

Highway access

The nearest major road is US Highway 16, located approximately 9 miles to the west of the cabin. Access to the cabin is via Boles Canyon Road, which connects to US Highway 16.

Latitude & Longitude: 43.8542 / -104.052

Elevation: 1858 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • NOTICE; We are currently making cabin improvements. Thank you for your understanding, We hope you have a great stay.
  • Check out time is at 11:00 a.m. and check in time is 2:00 p.m. Please be considerate of other renters, arrive and leave the cabin at appropriate times.
  • Entrance into the cabin is by combination lock; Call the district office at 605-673-9200 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. except on weekends and governement holildays. Refunds will not be approved for failing to get cabin combination after business hours or on weekends or hoilidays.
  • Walk-up stays are never available at this facility. Advanced reservations only, minimum three days before arrival
  • Fire restrictions may apply to outdoor fire ring use; check current fire restrictions prior to arrival
  • Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats,and other wildlife from area
  • Clean the cabin and pack out all trash, Including food
  • Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
  • The cabin is a no-smoking facility
  • Learn more about Black Hills National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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